Five Strategies to Deal With Empty Nest
As a therapist, I try to focus not just on concepts, but on tangibles to help people make concrete changes in their lives, no matter what issues they are facing.
This goes for facing an empty nest as well. There are very specific things you can do to help yourself get on with life after empty nest.
Anger. Is It Respected, Avoided, or Abusive In Your Life?
Anger. There’s a lot of it out there. My office is on a narrow one-way street that isn’t well marked as such. A while back there was a big cement truck traveling the wrong way; it pulled over to let me by and I gestured, smiling, that this was a one-way street. The guy screamed,...
When A Parent Needs Too Much: What Is Enmeshment and How Does It Hurt A Child
Being a parent is a complicated job. Healthy parenting includes doing your best to create a loving environment, supporting your kids so that their talents and interests thrive, and guiding them as they increasingly build their own life. All parents are going to make mistakes that impact...
Guilt and The Borderline Mother (Or Wife or Daughter or Friend): Nine Ways to Work Through It
Your phone rings; you look down and her name appears on your screen. Sadly, you dread clicking over…and then comes the guilt. Your history with her rushes into your mind as you wait for one more ring. You’re reminded of all the times that you’ve rushed to her side, comforted her,...
Should A Therapist Have Walked the Same Walk As You? My Perspective
After the 2016 presidential election, I got a call from a potential client, and she asked a question I’d never received before, “I need to know who you voted for.” I’ve been a therapist for over twenty-five years. I’d been asked if I was divorced, married, how old I...
Feeling Invisible and How To Confront The Shame You’ve Never Deserved
A lot of people feel invisible, for many different reasons. Perhaps you’re one of them; but what do you mean by “feeling invisible?” Perhaps you feel like you don’t matter, as if you aren’t a vital part of the world that’s going on around you. Maybe you feel overlooked by those who...
How To Not Be Victimized By Empty Nest. Letting Go With Intention.
My son is traveling at breakneck speed through the last semester of his college days.
Graduation is two weeks away.
He’s making decisions about his future — carving out a life for himself that will hopefully prove productive and fulfilling.
Why Women And Men Who Are Being Abused Don’t Leave. An Exercise for Understanding.
Trigger warning: Domestic violence discussed.. How did a jingle singer become a therapist? It took me years. I began by volunteering at the Battered Women’s Shelter in Dallas. I was singing jazz at the Fairmont Hotel bar; my night would end at 1:00 in the morning, and the shelter needed someone...
Three Steps to Take If You Feel Taken for Granted
Being taken for granted is a lonely feeling, and it’s very easy to allow that to grow into resentment. Especially for those things that become “your” thing. If you’re a good cook, you plan dinner. if you’re a better money manager, then that becomes your job. One of...
Breaking The Habit of Being Critical: Four Ways To Show Kindness to Your Partner
Your words greatly contribute to shaping your reality, and the health of your relationship is no exception. “I can’t take much more of this.” “I can’t believe I ever married you.” “I’ve had it with you.” These words may be said in jest, a...
Dr. Margaret’s Book Now Available!
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